Jabra Sport

This article first appeared in HWM Feb 2012.

Run Geeky, Run Free.

Bluetooth headsets are typically the mark of a gadget douchebag, one who seems to talk loudly to no one in particular, annoying those around him or her to no end. Bluetooth headsets for sporting activities however, that’s something else altogether.

The Jabra Sport is one such headset, offering stereo audio playback combined with a rubber-heavy design that aims to keep sweat and the elements away from the sensitive electronic parts of the headset that do all the work. The rubber bits also give the Sport durability and protection from dust and shock, being US Military-certified and all. You get built-in FM radio (handy if you somehow forget to bring your iPhone along for your run), while a wind-resistant microphone filters out noise reasonably well if you must run a conference call while out exercising.

The twin earpieces fit snugly into the ears (three sets of eargels let users find the best fit), while the cable that wraps around the back of your head sits in place quite well without much friction. During a recent jaunt at a famous marathon event, the Jabra Sport did reasonably well, providing good audio quality throughout, with stutter-free Bluetooth connection to the smartphone throughout the run. Similarly, pairing was a hassle-free affair, with reconnections as easy as turning the headset on (and making sure the smartphone’s Bluetooth transceiver was enabled).

If anything, we would recommend the Sport simply because it’s designed to fit noggins of various sizes, even those on the large side. In comparison, my Motorola S10-HD has a really uncomfortable fit, and takes up a bit of space in my bag, whereas the Sport can roll up into a neat bunch thanks to the compact earpieces and flat cable in between.